Apparatus for making metal cased brick



Oct. 27, 1964 Filed April 3, 1961 N. E. BOYER El" AL Oct. 27, 1964 N. E. BOYER ETAL 3,153,834

APPARATUS FOR MAKING METAL CASED BRICK Filed April 5, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 [All ENTERS,

Oct. 27, 1964 E. BOYER E1- AL 3,153,834

APPARATUS FOR MAKING METAL CASED BRICK Filed April 3, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 l/v/fn/fdfs, 4 514 5'. 3075/? (M0155 4- [Pauli 570m (/dSff/Y M- F/P/i 4 x United States Patent 3,153,834 APPARATUS FGR MAKING METAL CASED BRICK Neil E. Boyer, James A. Crookston, and Joseph hi. Frank,

Mexico, Mo assignors to A. P. Green Fire Brick Company, Mexico, Mo a corporation of Missouri Filed Apr. 3, 1961, Ser. No. 1tlil,3i34 7 Claims. (Cl. 25-41) The present invention relates to an apparatus for making metal cased brick.

Presently, metal cased bricks are made by forming a casing around a pre-molded brick, by mechanically compressing refractory mix within partial casings, by gluing metal plates to the outer surfaces of brick, and in various other ways.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for making metal cased bricks. Another object is to provide a novel apparatus in which refractory mix can be partially compacted before being pressed to final density in a press.

Still another object is to provide a case filling and packing machine in which a continuous metal casing is filled with a refractory mix and then vibrated in a frame mounted on springs to partially compact the refractory mix in the casing.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a machine in which an indexable table moves a preformed metal casing beneath a loading mechanism where the casing is disengaged from the table, filled with a refractory mix, engaged with a vibrating frame mounted on air springs and vibrated at a predetermined amplitude to compact the mix to a predetermined percentage, preferably about 80%, of the final desired density.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent hereinafter.

The present invention comprises an apparatus for packing the metal casings to a predetermined percentage of the final desired density. The packing apparatus includes a vibrating frame housing a refractory filled metal casing, said frame and casing being supported by air springs and actuated in a vertical direction to compact the re-' fractory in the casing.

The present invention further comprises the apparatus hereinafter described and claimed.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the process for making metal cased refractories,

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the casing filling and compacting machine, with the loading chute removed,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 of FIG. 2, with the loading chute and ram partially broken away,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, and

FIG. 5 is a greatly enlarged partial sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram which includes a reel of metal 16 which is passed through a flattening machine 11 into a cutting machine 12 where the metal from the reel is cut into casing size lengths which are passed to a welding or forming machine 13 where they are formed into hollow casings having a continuous outer shell with the edges welded or butted together. The empty casing from the welding machine 13 generally has a substantially elliptical cross section with flattened sides and rounded corners and a volume predeterminedly greater than the final desired volume of the metal cased brick end product.

The preformed casings are sent to a packing machine 14 and the casings are filled with a refractory mix and precompacted by vibration to a desired percentage of the final density.

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The partially compacted brick are placed in a press 15 where the casing is squeezed to its final shape by reducing the volume while keeping the perimeter substantially constant, thus compressing the refractory mix inside the casing to the final density.

The packing machine 14 (FIG. 2) comprises an outer frame 16 having side members 17 and a base 18. The packing machine 14 also includes an inner vertically movable frame 19 having a top cross member 20 formed with shoulders 21 on either end thereof, downwardly depending side members 22 and a base member 23 spaced inwardly from the corresponding outer frame members 17 and 13.

FIG. 3 shows an electric motor 24 rigidly mounted in a rigid housing 25 and connected to the inner frame 19 as hereinafter described. The motor 24 has a double ended shaft 26 with eccentric weights 27 fitted to each end thereof. The motor housing 25 is tied to the outer frame 16 by tie rods 23. The rods 28 are pivotally fastened to cross members 29 connecting the outer frame side members 17 and are pivoted at 30 to the motor housing 25. Two bar weights 27a are positioned in the housing 25 forwardly of the center line of the motor 24 as it is mounted in the housing 25 to balance the assembly.

When the motor 24 is functioning, the eccentric Weights 27 generate an unbalanced force which is transmitted to the housing 25 causing said housing to oscillate. The housing 25 is restrained in a horizontal plane by the tie rods 28 but is allowed to move freely in a more or less vertical plane.

Air tight inflatable bladders 31, preferably rubber and commonly referred to as air springs are interposed above and below the motor housing 25. The air springs 31 connect the motor frame 25 to the inner frame base 23 and to a cross member 32 connecting the inner frame side members 22.

The air springs 31 are acted upon by the vertical up and down force and movement of the housing 25.

The springs 31 thereby are used to transmit a variable amount of the motion from the motor frame 25 to the inner frame 19.

The amount of motion transmitted can be increased or decreased within certain limits by decreasing or increasing the air pressure in the air springs 31.

A second set of air springs 33 supports the inner frame 19 in the outer frame 16. The air springs 33 are positioned between the inner frame shoulders 21 and the top of the outer frame side members 17. The air pressure in the second set of bladders 33 is ordinarily maintained at a point where these springs 33 position the inner frame 19 in vertical reference to the outer frame 16 and allow a means to compensate for variable fixture and product weights.

Suitable resilient means such as metal springs can be substituted for the air springs 31 and 33, if the substituted resilient means has the proper characteristics, however, air springs are preferred. The air pressure in the bladders 31 and 33 can be varied depending on the type of refractory mix used and also the length and cross sectional area of the metal casing. Variations in the air pressure will affect the amplitude of vibration of the refractory filled casing and is a means of adapting operating conditions of the machine to the compacting characteristics of the mix being used.

Preferably the air pressure in the bladders 31 maintained at about 60 psi. and in the bladders 33 at about -100 p.S.i.

The outer frame side members 17 have a seat 34 to which is fastened a transverse horizontal member 35. Rotatably seated on the cross member 35 is an indexable table 36. The table 36 can be any standard index table readily available commercially. An index plate 37 is If; fastened to the table 36 and can be moved up or down to accommodate different length casings. A series of stations each provided with a base plate 38 is provided around the outer periphery of the plate 37.

Each of the base plates 38 is slidably positioned in a tapered bushing 39 whichis press fitted to the index plate 37. A pin 49 fixed to the index plate 37 slidably positions each of the base plates 38 to the index plate 37 and restrains the base plate 38 against rotation. An opening 41 is provided in the center of the under side of a each of the base plates 38.

Each base plate 38 has a pair of arms 42 pivotally fixed to the top surface thereof. A blade 43 having a magnetic face 44 toward the center of the base plate 38 is pivotally fixed to each of' the arms 42. The magnetic faces 44 hold the casings 45 with an open end upwardly in a vertical position on the plates 38.

A loading funnel 46 having a flared end 47 is adapted to receive the top of the casings 45, when the casings are being filled. A loading bin (not shown) holds refractory mix which is transmitted in predetermined amounts and at predetermined times through a loading chute 48 to the funnel 46. The loading can be automatically controlled or can be hand actuated, and the storage and batching mechanism is standard equipment which can be obtained from the manufacturers and does not form part of the present invention.

, A wedge mechanism is provided to move the casing 45 into engagement with the flared end 47 of the funnel 46. The wedge mechanism 49 comprises a guide block 7 58 having a tapered slot 51, a sliding cam 52 having a correspondingly tapered slot engaging surface 53 adapted to engage the slot surface 51, a ram 54, and a plunger 55 extending upwardly of the block 50 and adapted to engage the opening 41 in the base plate 38. Means 54a actuate the ram 54.

In operation, the empty casings 45 are positioned in an upright position with an open end upwardly on the base plates 38 and are held there by the magnetic strips 44 on the arms 42.

The index table 37 carrying the casings 45 is then rotated toward the loading funnel 46 and an empty casing 45 is positioned thereunder.

The ram 54 is actuated and the cam 52 moves into the slot 51 and moves the block 50 and the plunger 55 upwardly into the opening 41 in the base plate 33. V The base plate 38 and the casing 45 are moved upwardly free of the bushing 39 and into engagement with the flared end 47 of the funnel 46 (FIG.

The casing is loaded with 'a predetermined amount of refractory mix from the storage bin.

The casing 45 now has been moved free of the stationary outer frame 16 (to which the index table 37 is fixed) and is in engagement with and movable with the inner frame 19.

The motor 24 is actuated and the eccentric weights 27 vibrate the inner frame 19 against the air springs 31. The normal rotary motion imparted by motor 24 is translated into vertical motion by the tie bars 28 linking the inner frame 19 to the outer frame 16.

The force applied to the air springs 31 by the housing 25 is transmitted to inner frame 19 supported by the air springs 33 and causes the inner frame 19 and all parts rigidly attached thereto to vibrate.

When the refractory in the casing 45 has been compacted to a predetermined percentage of its final density, preferably about 80%, the motor 24 is inactivated.

A finishing tool 56 comprising a ram 57, an actuating mechanism 58 and a limit switch 59 is actuated at a predetermined time during the compacting cycle to finish the top end of the casing 45 and compacts any loose particles of refractory. The finishing tool 56 does not function to further compact the mass of the refractory in the casing 45. I

The wedge mechanism 49 is reversed to disengage the filled and partially compacted casing 45 from the movable frame 19 and re-engage the casing 45 and base plate 38 with the stationary frame 16 and the index plate 37.

The index plate 37 is rotated to move the filled casing 45 from adjacency to the loading funnel 46 and to move an empty casing under the funnel 46. The foregoing cycle is then repeated.

The filled casing 45 is taken to a press 15 where it is pressed into final shape and the refractory is further compacted to final density. The outer perimeter of the casing remains relatively constant and the volume is decreased during the final pressing operation.

The motor 24 preferably is of low horsepower and is rated at 870 rpm. Both HP. and speed can be varied if balanced against the bladder pressure and the amount of compaction desired.

The magnetic facing 44 can be a strip sold by'B. F. Goodrich known as Koroseal flexible magnetic strip.

Thus it is seen that the present invention provides an apparatus for making metal cased brick, which achieve all the objects and advantagessought therefor.

This invention is intended to cover all changes and modifications of the examples of the invention herein chosen for purposes of the disclosure, which do not con- 'stitute departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A machine comprising a main frame, a second frame mounted on said first frame, air springs spacing said two frames, an indexable table having a plurality of spaced openings around the outer periphery thereof, said table being rotatably mounted in the main frame, vertically movable bases positioned over the table openings, said bases supporting'an open ended casing in a vertical position, means for filling the casing mounted on the second frame, means mounted on the second frame for disengaging the casing from the main frame and for engaging said casing with the second frame, a motor support housed in the second frame, a motor on said support, said motor having an eccentric Weighted shaft, air springs isolating the motor support from the second frame, and tie bars pivotally connecting the mo tor support to the main frame to convert the transitory motion imparted to the seconhd frame by the rotation of the eccentrically weighted shafts into vibratory motion.

2. A machine comprising a main frame having up standing arms, a second frame having shoulders V61 tically aligned with the top end of the main frame arms, inflated bladders interposed between the shoulders and the main frame ends to position the second frame .on the main frame, means for vibrating the second frame within the first frame, an indexable table having a plo rality of spaced openings around the outer periphery thereof, said table being rotatably mounted in the main frame, vertically movable bases positioned'over the table openings, said bases. supporting an open ended casing in a vertical position, means for filling the casing mounted on the second frame, and a wedge mechanism supported on the second frame for engaging the refractorycasing with the second frame to vibrate therewith and thereby compacting the refractory in the casing, said Wedge mechanism comprising a plunger movable through the openings in the table to engage the bases, a reciprocally movable Wedge mounted on the second frame adapted to move the second member upwardly into engagement with the first member and to connect the casing with the second frame, and means mounted on the second frame for reciprocally moving the wedge.

3. A machine comprising a main frame having upstanding arms, an index table rotatably mounted on the main frame, said table being provided with spaced openings therethrough around the outer periphery thereof, base plates covering said openings and vertically movable relative to the index table, a loading funnel vertically aligned with one of said openings, a lip on said loading funnel constructed and arranged to engage an open ended metal casing, means for filling the casings through the funnel, a second frame supporting said loading funnel and being v rtically reciproca -ole in said first frame, said second frame comprising rightangular shoulders adjacent to downwardly depending arms at each side, a motor frame mounted on the second frame, a motor mounted on said motor frail e, a doubie ended shaft on said motor, eccentric weights mounted on said shaft, inflated bladders positioned between the uppermost ends of the main frame arms and the second frame shoulders, inflated bladders positioned above and beiow the motor frame between the motor frame and the second frame to isolate said motor frame from the second frame, tie bars pivotally connecting the motor frame to the main frame to convert the transitory motion imparted to the second frame by the eccentrically weighted shafts into reciprocating vibratory motion of the second frame, a wedge mechanism supported on the second frame for engaging the casings with the second frame, said Wedge mech nism comprising a first member freely housed in the table openings adapted to engage the under surface of the base plates and move said plates free of the taste and first frame, a cam Wedge adapted to move the first member into engagement with the base plate, and means for actuating the Wedge, and a ram adapted to enter the open end of the refractory filled casing to compact loose refractory particles therein.

4. A machine comprising a main frame having upstanding arms, a rotatable table provided with a plurality of spaced openings around its outer edge rotatably mounted on the main frame, a second frame vertically reciprocally mounted on the first frame, said second frame having shoulders adjacent to downwardly depending arms at each side, inflated bladders positioned between the free ends of the main frame upstanding arms and the shoulders of the second frame to suspend the second frame in the first frame, said bladders being infiatable to varying pressures, a motor frame, a motor having an eccentric output shaft mounted on the motor frame, inflatable bladders positioned above and below the mot r frame connecting and isolating the motor frame from the second frame, said bladders being inflatable to varying pressures, base members positioned over the table openings and vertically movable with respect to the table, means positioned on the base members for supporting an open ended casing in an upright position, said means being movable with the base member, movable Wedge means mounted on the second frame including a vertically movable member adapted to engage the base members and move said base members in a vertical direction to disengage the base members from the table and to engage the base members with the second frame.

5. The machine of claim 4 wherein the casing support means on the base members comprise an arm pivoted at one end to the base member and a blade having a magnetic face pivotally attached to the other end of the arm.

6. The machine of claim 4 including tie members pivotally attached at one end to the motor housing and pivotally attached at the other end to the main frame to restrain movement of the motor housing in a hori- Zontal plane and allow movement of the motor housing in a. vertical direction.

7. The machine of claim 4 including loading means mounted on the second frame and engageable With the up ermost end of the casing when the Wedge means has moved the base into its upper position.

References fired in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

4. A MACHINE COMPRISING A MAIN FRAME HAVING UPSTANDING ARMS, A ROTATABLE TABLE PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF SPACED OPENINGS AROUND ITS OUTER EDGE ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON THE MAIN FRAME, A SECOND FRAME VERTICALLY RECIPROCALLY MOUNTED ON THE FIRST FRAME, SAID SECOND FRAME HAVING SHOULDERS ADJACENT TO DOWNWARDLY DEPENDING ARMS AT EACH SIDE, INFLATED BLADDERS POSITIONED BETWEEN THE FREE ENDS OF THE MAIN FRAME UPSTANDING ARMS AND THE SHOULDERS OF THE SECOND FRAME TO SUSPEND THE SECOND FRAME IN THE FIRST FRAME, SAID BLADDERS BEING INFLATABLE TO VARYING PRESSURE, A MOTOR FRAME, A MOTOR HAVING AN ECCENTRIC OUTPUT SHAFT MOUNTED ON THE MOTOR FRAME, INFLATABLE BLADDERS POSITIONED ABOVE AND BELOW THE MOTOR FRAME CONNECTING AND ISOLATING THE MOTOR FRAME FROM THE SECOND FRAME, SAID BLADDERS BEING INFLATABLE TO VARYING PRESSURE, BASE MEMBERS POSITIONED OVER THE TABLE OPENINGS AND VERTICALLY MOVABLE WITH RESPECT TO THE TABLE, MEANS POSITIONED ON THE BASE MEMBERS FOR SUPPORTING AN OPEN ENDED CASING IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, SAID MEANS BEING MOVABLE WITH THE BASE MEMBER, MOVABLE WEDGE MEANS MOUNTED ON THE SECOND FRAME INCLUDING A VERTICALLY MOVABLE MEMBER ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE BASE MEMBERS AND MOVE SAID BASE MEMBERS IN A VERTICAL DIRECTION TO DISENGAGE THE BASE MEMBERS FROM THE TABLE AND TO ENGAGE THE BASE MEMBERS WITH THE SECOND FRAME. 